OG Anunoby’s X-Rays on Foot Injury Negative After Exit in Knicks’ Loss to Lakers

OG Anunoby suffered a right foot sprain during the New York Knicks’ Saturday night loss to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said postgame he hadn’t yet spoken with the Knicks’ medical team, but that Anunoby’s initial X-rays were negative.

Thibodeau added that he is unsure if Anunoby will undergo an MRI on the non-contact injury.

Jalen Brunson told reporters after the game he didn’t know the extent of Anunoby’s injury.

“We’re praying for him and just waiting to see what we hear,” Brunson said, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

Anunoby suffered the non-contact injury after receiving a pass from Jalen Brunson and gearing up to take a shot over LeBron James in the third quarter of the 128-112 loss to the Lakers.

He could be seen grimacing in pain and holding the back of his right leg before leaving for the locker room. He was replaced for the remainder of the loss by Precious Achiuwa.

Anunoby had started every one of the Knicks’ 48 games heading into Saturday in what has so far been one of the healthiest seasons of his career.

Heading into the matchup with the Lakers, he was averaging 16.4 points per game while leading the Knicks’ defense with 0.9 blocks and adding 1.4 steals per game.

Thibodeau has tended to lean heavily on his starting rotation this season, and Anunoby has ranked third to just Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart for the most minutes per game so far this season.

If Anunoby is forced to miss any time, Thibodeau will need to turn to bench options like Achiuwa as the Knicks’ depth on both offense and defense is tested.